Did you know each time children visit a zoo or aquarium their level of academic achievement may be increased? There is a growing body of research that shows how simply touching a stingray or feeding otters can be the boost that many students need.
"Hand-on activities, especially when they are related to animals and nature, are very powerful motivators," said George Bartnik, education programs manager at the Tennessee Aquarium. "Students comprehend and retain information better when they have an engaging, personal experience with science. What's amazing to many parents is how experiential learning also improves behavior and self-confidence."
As most parents agree, kids with questions equal kids who are interested. And kids are always wondering what it's like to be a biologist in charge of caring for the Aquarium's exotic species. Their questions are as diverse as the creatures living here -- Are penguins friendly? (Sometimes.) Can catfish get as large as a Volkswagen? (Not in the United States.) How do you feed the sharks so they won't eat other fish? (By giving them enough to feel full without overfeeding.) What do jellyfish eat? (Mainly brine shrimp.)
Visitors will find the answers to these questions, and many more, by going behind the scenes at the Tennessee Aquarium as Keeper Kids during spring break, March 12-April 17.
"These activities put kids in the role of biologist for a day," said Bartnik. "By going behind the scenes with SCUBA divers, our veterinarian or feeding animals with other Aquarium experts, they'll have a chance to discover the many facets of animal care. It's fun, but it also really opens their eyes to the importance of education."
Children, ages six and up, may choose two of the 19 different daily activities being offered FREE with Aquarium admission. They'll venture into "keepers only" areas to meet penguin experts, feed feisty otters, make toys for playful parrots or discover what it takes to properly wrangle reptiles. Each program lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. According to Aquarium veterinarian Dr. Chris Keller, it's like getting the chance to be Dr. Dolittle for the day. "This is a great opportunity to get closer to many of the Aquarium's animals and get to know them a bit better," said Keller.
In addition to the Keeper Kids activities inside the Aquarium's two buildings, there's a new way to get closer to nature aboard the River Gorge Explorer. The Williams Island Family Adventure Cruises will give everyone a chance to view a heron rookery and osprey nest during a 90-minute excursion. Naturalists have added an on-board scavenger hunt to these fast paced adventures. "We're going to have a lot of fun showing everyone the wildlife and talking about the rich history of Williams Island," said Aquarium naturalist John Dever. "Spring is a great time to be out on the river."
These new cruises will depart daily March 12-April 17 from the Chattanooga Pier. Special Spring Break pricing will be offered for these cruises: $20 per person (age 3 and up), $18 per person under age 3.
Visitors are also invited to extend their Spring Break fun at the IMAX 3D Theater. Guests have until April 7 to fly through the universe with NASA Astronauts while viewing Hubble 3D. Or audiences may choose to join ten-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater in Ultimate Wave: Tahiti 3D. Slater and others show what it takes to ride the towering, six-story waves thundering across the screen while learning about the creatures that live below the blue waters of this island paradise.
Coming to the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX® 3D Theater April 8 is Born To Be Wild 3D. This heartwarming adventure, narrated by Academy-Award winner Morgan Freeman, documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them. This new film transports moviegoers into the lush rainforests of Borneo and across the rugged Kenyan savannah to meet celebrated animal experts as they and their teams rescue, rehabilitate and return these incredible animals back to the wild.
Get the daily Keeper Kids schedule of activities at www.tnaqua.org/SpringBreak.aspx.
Learn about Chattanooga Spring Break Safari adventures at www.springbreaksafari.com.
Admission to the Tennessee Aquarium is $24.95 per adult and $14.95 per child, ages 3-12. Each ticket purchased helps support Aquarium conservation programs. The IMAX 3D Theater is next door to the Aquarium. Ticket prices are $8.50 per adult and $7.00 per child. Aquarium/IMAX combo tickets are $30.95 for adults and $20.95 for children. Excursions aboard the new River Gorge Explorer depart daily into "Tennessee's Grand Canyon." Cruise tickets are $29.00 per adult and $21.50 per child (3-12). Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.tnaqua.org or by phone at 1-800-262-0695. The Aquarium, located on the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, is a non-profit organization. The Aquarium and IMAX are accessible to people with disabilities.
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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